U.S. patent application number 13/149126 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-06 for high rotation linkage attachment for hydraulic lines.
This patent application is currently assigned to CATERPILLAR, INC.. Invention is credited to Lee Evans, Andrew R. Fowkes, Kelvin T. Gibbs, William Glisson, JR..
Application Number | 20120306195 13/149126 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47261091 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120306195 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fowkes; Andrew R. ; et
al. |
December 6, 2012 |
High Rotation Linkage Attachment for Hydraulic Lines
Abstract
A work machine and work implement for a work machine are
disclosed with a hydraulic system enabling greater rotation of the
work implement relative to the work machine without providing
excess hydraulic line to accommodate such rotation. More
specifically, the work machine may include a first hydraulic fluid
line extending from a pump of the work machine along a work arm
pivotally attached to the work machine, and a second hydraulic
fluid line extending from the work implement toward the work arm.
The hydraulic swivel coupling may be provided at the a pivot point
between the work arm and the work implement where the first and
second hydraulic fluid lines can be connected to the hydraulic
swivel coupling.
Inventors: |
Fowkes; Andrew R.; (Clayton,
NC) ; Evans; Lee; (Selma, NC) ; Glisson, JR.;
William; (Goldsboro, NC) ; Gibbs; Kelvin T.;
(Selma, NC) |
Assignee: |
CATERPILLAR, INC.
Peoria
IL
|
Family ID: |
47261091 |
Appl. No.: |
13/149126 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
285/147.1 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
F16L 27/02 20130101; E02F 3/3654 20130101; F16L 27/023 20130101;
E02F 9/006 20130101; E02F 9/2275 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
285/147.1 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
F16L 37/52 20060101
F16L037/52; B23P 11/00 20060101 B23P011/00 |
Claims
1. A work machine, comprising: a chassis; a work arm pivotally
attached to the chassis at a first pivot point; a work implement
pivotally attached to the work arm at a second pivot point; a
hydraulic fluid pump supported by the chassis; a first hydraulic
fluid line extended from the pump to the second pivot point; a
second hydraulic fluid line extended from the work implement to the
second pivot point; and a hydraulic swivel coupling at the second
pivot point, the first and second hydraulic fluid lines being
connected to the hydraulic swivel coupling.
2. The work machine of claim 1, wherein the work machine is
selected from the group of work machines consisting of loaders,
excavators, compactors, track-type tractors, skid steers,
telehandlers, and motor graders.
3. The work machine of claim 2, wherein the work implement is
selected from the group of implements consisting of augers, blades,
brooms, buckets, cold planers, couplers, cutters, forks, handlers,
grapplers, plows, rakes, thumbs, vibratory compactors, shears,
rippers, scoops, backhoes, brushcutters, mulchers, snow blowers,
stump grinders, tillers, trenchers, wheel saws, carriages, lifting
hooks, hoppers, winches and scarifiers.
4. The work machine of claim 1, wherein the work implement is able
to rotate at least 180.degree. relative to the work arm.
5. The work machine of claim 1, wherein the second hydraulic fluid
line is a third function hose.
6. The work machine of claim 1, wherein the first and second
hydraulic fluid lines are held close to the work arm and work
implement, respectively, and avoid dragging on ground upon which
the work machine rests.
7. The work machine of claim 1, wherein the hydraulic swivel
coupling enables at least 180.degree. of rotation between the first
and second hydraulic fluid lines.
8. A work implement adapted to be connected to a work machine
having a source of hydraulic fluid, the work implement comprising:
a pivot point connectable to a work machine; a third function tool
operating associated with the implement and adapted to employ
hydraulic fluid; a hydraulic fluid line extending from the third
function tool to the pivot point; and a hydraulic swivel coupling
connected to the hydraulic fluid line at the pivot point.
9. The work implement of claim 8, wherein the work implement is
selected from the group of work implements consisting of augers,
blades, brooms, buckets, cold planers, couplers, cutters, forks,
handlers, grapplers, plows, rakes, thumbs, vibratory compactors,
shears, rippers, scoops, backhoes, brushcutters, mulchers, snow
blowers, stump grinders, tillers, trenchers, wheel saws, carriages,
lifting hooks, hoppers, winches and scarifiers.
10. The work implement of claim 8, wherein the work implement is
rotatable at least 180.degree. relative to a work machine.
11. The work implement of claim 8, wherein the hydraulic fluid line
is a third function line.
12. The work implement of claim 8, wherein the hydraulic fluid line
is held close to the work implement and avoids dragging upon ground
upon which the work machine rests.
13. The work implement of claim 8, wherein the hydraulic swivel
coupling enables 180.degree. of rotation of the hydraulic fluid
line.
14. A method of connecting work implements to a hydraulic fluid
source of a work machine, comprising: extending a first hydraulic
fluid line from a hydraulic fluid pump to a pivot point between the
work machine and the work implement; extending a second hydraulic
fluid line from a component of the work implement needing hydraulic
fluid to the pivot point; and interconnecting the first and second
lines with a hydraulic swivel coupling at the pivot point.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the work machine is selected
from the group of work machines consisting of loaders, excavators,
compactors, track-type tractors, skid steers, telehandlers, and
motor graders.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the work implement is selected
from the group of implements consisting of augers, blades, brooms,
buckets, cold planers, couplers, cutters, forks, handlers,
grapplers, plows, rakes, thumbs, vibratory compactors, shears,
rippers, scoops, backhoes, brushcutters, mulchers, snow blowers,
stump grinders, tillers, trenchers, wheel saws, carriages, lifting
hooks, hoppers, winches and scarifiers.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the work implement is able to
rotate at least 180.degree. relative to the work machine.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the second hydraulic fluid line
is a third function line.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein the first and second hydraulic
fluid lines are held close to the work machine and work implement,
respectively, and avoid dragging on ground upon which the work
machine rests.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein the hydraulic swivel coupling
enables at least 180.degree. of rotation between the first and
second hydraulic fluid lines.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to hydraulics, and
more particularly relates to rotational couplings for hydraulic
lines.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Work machines employing hydraulic power are common. Such
machines can be extremely large excavators, pipe layers, track-type
tractors or the like, or can be relatively small loaders,
forklifts, skid steers or the like. In each of these applications,
the work machine includes a chassis upon which is mounted a power
source such as a diesel engine which drives a pump for providing
hydraulic fluid to various portions of the work machine. The pump
may provide hydraulic fluid to primary and secondary receivers of
the hydraulic fluid such as hydraulic cylinders for raising and
lowering work arms pivotally attached to the work machine, or
tilting or otherwise turning the work implement attached to the
work arm. For example, a bucket is commonly attached to a work arm
which in turn is connected to the work machine such that earth or
other cargo can be loaded into and dumped from the bucket of the
machine.
[0003] Many attachments or work implements attached to the work
arms of such machines also require additional sources of hydraulic
fluid. Such additional needs are often referred to as third
functions or even fourth or fifth functions depending on the
complexity of the work implement attached to the machine. For
example, grappling hooks can be attached to the end of the work
arms with the operator of the machine being provided with controls
for manipulating the grappling arms. Accordingly, hydraulic fluid
needs to be provided from the pump of the machine to the work
implement in third function lines such as rigid conduit or flexible
hose. Moreover, such implements often need to rotate a significant
degree relative to the work arms. As a result, the hydraulic fluid
lines run to the work implements are often provided with a
significant degree of slack in the lines so as to allow for such
rotation. While this is effective, when the work implement is
rotated in a first direction, the excess line is taken up but, in
the opposite direction, a significant amount of sag or droop is
provided in the hydraulic fluid lines. This sag in the hydraulic
fluid lines often drags on the ground over which the machine
traverses. In addition, the excess fluid line can often become
snagged or otherwise entangled in the work arms of other moving
equipment of the work machine. In either case, the line is
subjected to significant wear and tear, and can possibly interrupt
hydraulic power. In extreme cases, the line can even rupture.
[0004] In light of this, it can be seen a need exists for a
hydraulic system for work machines which lessens slack in the
hydraulic fluid lines, while still enabling full rotation of the
work implements and uninterrupted use of third function
operations.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a work
machine is disclosed which may comprise a chassis, a work arm
pivotally attached to the chassis at a first pivot point, a work
implement pivotally attached to a work arm at a second pivot point,
a hydraulic fluid pump supported by a chassis, a first hydraulic
fluid line extended from the pump to a second pivot point, a second
hydraulic fluid line extended from the work implement to the second
pivot point, and a hydraulic swivel coupling at the second pivot
point, the first and second hydraulic fluid lines being connected
to the hydraulic swivel coupling.
[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a work
implement is disclosed which is adapted for connection to a work
machine having a source of hydraulic fluid. The work implement may
comprise a pivot point connected to a work machine, a third
function tool operatively associated with the implement and adapted
to employ hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic fluid line extending from
the tool to the pivot point, and a hydraulic swivel coupling
connected to the hydraulic fluid line at the pivot point.
[0007] In accordance with yet another aspect of the disclosure, a
method of connecting work implements to a hydraulic fluid source of
a work machine is disclosed which may comprise extending a first
hydraulic fluid line from a hydraulic fluid pump to a pivot point
between the work machine and the work implement, extending a second
hydraulic fluid line from a component of the work implement needing
hydraulic fluid to the pivot point, and interconnecting the first
and second lines with a hydraulic swivel coupling at the pivot
point.
[0008] These and other aspects and features of the disclosure will
become more apparent upon reading the following detailed
description when taking a conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a work machine constructed
in accordance with the teachings of the disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a work arm and
implement interface showing the hydraulic swivel coupling of the
present disclosure in a fully racked position;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view similar to FIG. 2,
but showing the implement in a first intermediate position;
[0012] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view similar to FIG. 2,
but showing the implement in a second intermediate position;
[0013] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view similar to FIG. 2,
but showing the implement in a fully dumped position;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a hydraulic swivel coupling
constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0015] While the following detailed description will be made in
reference to certain illustrative embodiments, it is to be
understood that the teachings of the disclosure are not to be
limited thereby, but are rather to be construed in light of the
claims eventually appended hereto and their equivalents.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0016] Referring now to the drawings, and with specific reference
to FIG. 1, a work machine constructed in accordance with the
teachings of the disclosure is generally referred to by reference
numeral 20. While the work machine 20 is depicted in FIG. 1 and
described herein as a loader, it is to be understood that the
teachings of the disclosure can be used in conjunction with a
number of other work machines including, but not limited to,
loaders, excavators, compactors, track-type tractors, skid steers,
telehandlers, pipe layers, and motor graders.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the work machine 20 may include a
chassis 22 supported by wheels 24. Of course, in alternative
embodiments, the wheels 24 may be replaced by tracks or other forms
of locomotion devices. The chassis 22 in turn supports an engine 26
such as a diesel engine or other form of prime mover including, but
not limited to, internal combustion engines and electric drive
trains. The chassis 22 may also support an operator cabin, seat or
station 27.
[0018] A work arm or pair of work arms 28 are pivotally attached to
the chassis 22 at a first pivot point 29. The work arms 28 are
moved by hydraulic cylinders 30. A hydraulic pump 31 may be in
fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinders 30 to raise and
lower the work arms 28 in what is referred to as a first hydraulic
function.
[0019] At a distal end 32 of the work arm 28, a work implement 34
is pivotally attached. The work implement 34 is depicted as a
bucket, but it is to be understood that the work implement 34 may
be, but is not limited to, any number of different implements such
as augers, blades, brooms, buckets, cold planers, couplers,
cutters, forks, handlers, grapplers, plows, rakes, thumbs,
vibratory compactors, shears, rippers, scoops, backhoes,
brushcutters, mulchers, snow blowers, stump grinders, tillers,
trenchers, wheel saws, carriages, lifting hooks, hoppers, winches
and scarifiers. A second hydraulic cylinder 36 connected between
the work arm 28 and work implement 34 may cause the implement to
rotate relative to the work arm 28 and in so doing this is referred
to as a second hydraulic function.
[0020] Certain of the aforementioned implements 34 may be designed
to have intricate movements performed by third function tools 35.
The hydraulic power used to perform these movements is referred to
as a third hydraulic function, or depending on the complexity of
the operation a fourth, fifth or so on hydraulic function. For
example, a grappler (not shown) may have additional fingers that
are movable by hydraulic fluid in addition to being rotatable
relative to the work arm 28. With prior art devices, such third
order hydraulic functions required significant slack in the
hydraulic fluid line leading to the implement. This excess line has
heretofore been required to allow for the implement to move from
one extreme position such as fully racked, to another extreme
position such as fully dumped. In so doing, when the implement was
in the fully racked position, a significant sag would result where
the excess hydraulic line would loop or accumulate below the level
of the work arm. While effective, this sag was subject to
significant wear by dragging along the ground or other work
surface. In addition, not only would the sag be subjected to wear,
but it could also become entangled or be otherwise snagged within
and around the various moving components of the work machine.
[0021] The work machine 20 of the present disclosure, on the other
hand, greatly improves upon this prior art design. More
specifically, the unique design of the work machine substantially
reduces any sag in the hydraulic lines, while still enabling a full
range of motion for the work implements. It does so, while at the
same time preventing undue wear and tear on the hose because the
abatement of the sag hinders the hose from dragging on the ground
or other work surface with which the work machine 20 comes into
contact.
[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 2-5, the work machine 20 of the
present disclosure is shown in more detail. The work machine 20 is
shown to include the work arm 28 with distal end 32 where a work
implement interface 40 (often referred to as a "quick connect") is
pivotably connected at a second pivot point 42. The work implement
interface 40 enables quick connection of any of the aforementioned
work implements 34.
[0023] Along work arm 28, a first hydraulic fluid line 43 is
closely mounted and extends from the hydraulic pump 31 to a first
junction 44. The first hydraulic fluid line 43 may be rigid conduit
as shown, or flexible hose. A second hydraulic fluid line 46 may
then extend from the first junction 44 to a hydraulic swivel
coupling 47 provided at the center of rotation 42. The second
hydraulic fluid line 46 may be flexible hose as shown, or rigid
conduit. Alternatively, the first hydraulic fluid line 43 and
second hydraulic fluid line 46 may be provided as one unitary
conduit. A third hydraulic fluid line 48 may then extend from the
hydraulic swivel coupling 47 to the work implement 34. The third
hydraulic fluid line 48 may be rigid conduit as shown, or flexible
hose.
[0024] As shown best in FIG. 6, the hydraulic swivel coupling 47
may include an inlet 50 and an outlet 52 provided at a right angle
relative to one another. Moreover, the inlet 50 and outlet 52 allow
the hoses connected thereto to freely rotate while still
maintaining a tight hydraulic seal. It may do so by providing a
right angle bend conduit 54 extending from inlet 50, and a series
of compression fittings or nuts 56 leading to another right angled
fitting 58 and ultimately outlet 52. Other mechanical arrangements
for allowing swiveling action between hydraulic lines is certainly
possible and encompassed within the scope of this disclosure.
[0025] Not only does such a swivel coupling 47 enable the second
hydraulic fluid line 46 to rotate relative to the third hydraulic
fluid line 48, but mounting the swivel coupling 47 at the second
pivot pilot 42, the work implement 34 is able to rotate through its
full range of motion without producing significant sag in either
line to thus keep lines 46 and 48 out of harm's way, and providing
significant excess hose to accommodate such motion. In addition,
when disconnected from lines 46 and 48, while likely never needing
to, the hydraulic swivel coupling 47 could allow for 360.degree. of
free rotation, and at least 180.degree. of rotation when connected
between the respective lines.
[0026] This is perhaps best shown in a comparison between the
various work implement positions of FIGS. 2-5. In FIG. 2, the work
implement interface 40, and thus work implement (not shown), is
rotated to one extreme of its range of motion referred to as fully
racked. For example, if the implement is a bucket, this might be
the position used after the bucket is filled with soil or other
cargo, and then pulled back against the work arm to securely hold
the soil while the work machine transports it to another location
for dumping. In such a position, it can be seen that the hydraulic
fluid lines produce little sag, whereas by contrast, prior art
designs would produce their maximum amount of sag.
[0027] Turning to FIG. 3, the work implement interface 40 is shown
rotated to a first intermediate position away from the work arm.
Similarly, in FIG. 4, the work implement interface 40 is shown
rotated to a second intermediate position even further away from
the work arm. In both positions, it can be seen that the hydraulic
fluid lines produce little sag.
[0028] Finally, turning to FIG. 5, the other extreme position of
rotation is shown. This position, referred to as fully dumped,
again causes little sag in the hydraulic fluid lines. Continuing
the example above, this position might be achieved when the bucket
is dumping its load. The implement in such an example may be able
to rotate 180.degree. or more between the fully racked and fully
dumped position. In prior art work machines, this would correspond
to the position where the hydraulic fluid lines are stretched as
far as possible, and in some instances even limiting such
rotational movement of the implement.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0029] In general, the teachings of the present disclosure provide
applicability in a number of industrial settings including, but not
limited to, work machines used in construction, agriculture, and
industry. For example, the work machines may be, but are not
limited to, loaders, excavators, compactors, track-type tractors,
skid steers, telehandlers, and motor graders. Such machines can be
provided with little excess hydraulic line being required, little
sagging in the hydraulic lines being witnessed at any of its
rotational positions, and with a full range of rotation enabled for
all first, second, third and more level hydraulic functions.
[0030] In operation, the present disclosure does so by extending a
first hydraulic fluid line from a hydraulic pump of the work
machine down a work arm to a distal end of the work arm. A second
hydraulic fluid line is also extended from the work implement down
to a pivot point between the work arm and the work implement. A
hydraulic swivel coupling is then provided at the pivot point of
rotation to connect the first and second hydraulic fluid hoses. In
so doing, the implement is able to fully rotate between a fully
racked and fully dumped position, without producing significant sag
in the hydraulic lines, without limiting the range of motion of the
work implement, and while enabling operation of first, second,
third and beyond levels of hydraulic operation.
* * * * *